Mendenhall published a Huffington Post column on Feb. 25 hinting retirement, saying "the journey is over." He battled knee and toe injuries last season while averaging 3.2 yards per carry for the Cardinals.

Mendenhall spent his first five seasons in Pittsburgh before rushing for 687 yards and eight touchdowns on 217 carries with Arizona in 2013. He had two 1,000-yard seasons and rushed for 4,236 yards 37 touchdonws over his six seasons in the league.

Rashard Mendenhall hints at retirement: 'The journey is over'

by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

(2/25/14) Cardinals running back Rashard Mendenhall, an impending free agent, hinted at retirement in a column he wrote for the Huffington Post. "As I write this, today is the day that the journey is over and I am fully at peace. Eagerly looking to a new way, which lies ahead," he wrote.

Mendenhall battled knee and toe injuries last season while averaging 3.2 yards per carry. He turns 27 in June.

Report: Rashard Mendenhall could return to Cards or retire

by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

(2/25/14) The Cardinals have not closed the door on re-signing running back Rashard Mendenhall, who played with knee and toe injuries last year, reports Fox Sports 910. However, the latest rumor regarding Mendenhall is that he might retire, the report added.

Mendenhall, who turns 27 in June, averaged 3.2 yards per carry last season but ran for eight touchdowns.

Arizona's running backs held in check in finale

by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(12/29/13) Cardinals running backs Rashard Mendenhall and Andre Ellington each did little with their respective carries during Sunday's loss to the 49ers in Week 17.

Both running backs shared the load again, as Mendenhall finished with a 10 carries for 47 yards (4.7 yards per carry) while Ellington rushed for 30 yards on nine carries, averaging 3.3 yards per attempt.

Mendenhall finished the year with 217 carries for 687 yards with eight touchdown. Ellington nearly racked up just as many yards in nearly half of the carries. He had 118 carries for 652 yards with three touchdowns on the ground.

02/20/2014 03:54Arizona Cardinals 2014 offseason preview
With the 2013 season officially in the books the Eye on Football staff is looking ahead to the 2014 offseason for all 32 NFL teams. Next up: The Arizona Cardinals.

Rashard Mendenhall has decided to retire after just six seasons in the NFL at 26 years old. He finished 2013 with the Cardinals where he had 217 carries for 687 yards and eight touchdowns and 18 catches for 134 yards. His career totals are 1,081 carries for 4,326 yards and 37 touchdowns and 95 catches for 795 yards and two touchdowns. Keep an eye on if he changes his mind, but we're not expecting him to pull a Brett Favre. Ignore him in all leagues on Draft Day.
(Updated 6/4/14)